Last modified: Saturday, March 11, 2006 9:46 AM PST Gone to the dogs Larry Meyer Argus Observer ONTARIO Stray dogs, and where local entities will be able to take them is a major concern now that the area's only shelter is up for sale. Owners for Atherton Kennels, which takes all dogs, said there is no guarantee a new owner will continue operating the facility as a shelter. Malheur County and city officials from Vale, Nyssa, Adrian and Ontario discussed the issue during their quarterly City/County meeting held Wednesday afternoon at Ontario City Hall. That discussion will be continued at 11 a.m. at next week's county court meeting, as they look for a possible solution, including a jointly run shelter. Also at the meeting was Jana Laughlin, who owns and operates Atherton Kennels, located between Nyssa and Cairo Junction. Laughlin explained the financial issues involved in operating a shelter, with increasing requirements for upgrades and increasing costs of operation. That includes food, medication and insurance, she said. Almost all shelters, which take in strays, are run by counties or the Humane Society, she said. “It is almost impossible to have a privately-run shelter.” Laughlin estimated it would take a minimum of $94,000 a year to operate the shelter with space for 25 dogs. The shelter takes in about 1,500 dogs a year, Laughlin said, and a growing number of them are pit bulls. “The pit bull problem is going to increase,” she said, adding they put down an average six pit bulls per week. While there is not a problem with the people who stage professional dog fights, or hobbyists, there are a lot of people seeking animals for “street fights.” Explaining the difference between her shelter and regular kennels, Laughlin said kennels are selective in what animals they take in and often are breed specific. “I can't pick and choose,” she said. “We take what comes through the door. Canyon County will not take dogs from Malheur County. The only other shelter in the region is in Boise.” One issue is license enforcement. Nyssa does not have a ordinance officer, but does have a license ordinance. City Manager Bill Ewing said when a dog from Nyssa is taken to the shelter, owners must get a license, if not already purchased, and prove their animals' shots are up-to-date or have them vaccinated, plus pay all applicable fees charged at the shelter to get the impounded dog released. Ewing said the city is paying $535 to Atherton Kennels, based on the number of dogs taken there from Nyssa last year. When the contract changes to a month-to-month basis, Ewing said the cost will remain at $535, plus $50 per dog. Ontario officials said the city is not picking up dogs.